[en] In this paper we develop improved methods of estimating atomic weights and ground state binding energies, similar to the local relations of Garvey-Kelson formulae. We show (Fig. 1) that both the longitudinal (GKL) and transverse(GKT) Garvey-Kelson relations[2] can be derived mathematically from a simpler relationship between 4 nuclides (C1). This base can be used in turn to construct more accurate relations to predict the properties of nuclei far from stability. Historically, the Garvey Kelson local relations appear to be one of the most accurate estimators of atomic mass. However their utility is limited by progressive loss of accuracy in the prediction of nuclei far from stability where it may also be impossible to find the appropriate neighbours. The scheme presented in this paper requires the known masses of only 3 neighbours and is more accurate.(author)